HC Deb 21 January 1980 vol 977 cc14-5
7. Mr. Ifor Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what impact the increase in fees for overseas students is likely to have on institutions of higher education for which he is responsible.

The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Michael Roberts)

It is too early to say. The picture will not be clear until the early summer.

Mr. Davies

Is the Minister aware that the Welsh education institutions, and the universities in particular, have a proud record and tradition of helping overseas students, not only in education but in international understanding? Will he therefore use all his powers to safeguard the tradition and reduce the financial effect that the Government's new policy on fees for overseas students will certainly have?

Mr. Roberts

Public sector institutions in Wales have not drawn anything like the same proportion of students from overseas as have some colleges in England. For example, in 1978 the proportion was 8 per cent.; for England and Wales as a whole, it was 20 per cent. The effect of the fee increase will be correspondingly less in Wales. I assure the House that we have not ignored the potential benefits—economic, political and educational—that flow from the presence in this country of overseas students. But these potential gains must be seen in relation to a current subsidy approaching £100 million a year.

Mr. Best

Is my hon. Friend aware that the excessive increase in fees implemented by the last Government seemed to have little effect upon the total number of overseas students coming to this country? Will he accept that there is grave concern on both sides of the House that students from the poorer countries have been inhibited from coming here as a result of the increase? Will he ensure that an adequate contingency fund is always kept to see that those students from the poorer countries are given the same opportunity to come to this country and benefit from the high standard of education as those from the richer countries?

Mr. Roberts

One of the reasons why so many students have continued to come, despite increased fees, is the very high standard of our university education and other higher education. Our staff to student ratios are most favourable and our degree courses are shorter and more intensive. A certain number of students from the poorer countries can certainly come through the assistance provided by the overseas aid programme, but I shall bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.